Preparing taxes can be complicated for a small business owner. Some owners prefer hiring a tax preparer to do the task for them. However, keep in mind that the taxpayer is responsible for the content of the tax return, regardless if it was made by another person. That’s why it is vital to choose the right person to prepare your tax returns, including someone that is both professional and honest.

The Internal Revenue Service provides some tips on how to choose an IRS tax preparer, including the following:

Check for the PTIN

The PTIN is a vital number when it comes to tax preparation. It is the acronym for Preparer Tax Identification Number. This must be the first thing that taxpayers must check before hiring a tax preparer since the IRS requires preparers to pass a qualifying exam before they can receive it. Certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and attorneys are exempted from taking the test but are required to register in order to get their PTIN.

Check the Tax Preparer’s History

Do your research and find out if the preparer is reputable or not. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to find the history of the preparer, as well as the state boards of accountancy to check the status of the license of a certified public accountant. If one is an attorney, check with the state’s bar association. Enrolled agents are registered with the IRS Office of Enrollment.

Check the Tax Preparer’s Service Fees

When you encounter tax preparers who base their service fee on a percentage of the refund or claim they can get bigger refunds than the rest, avoid them right away. The refund check must be under your name, and there must be no circumstances where the preparer shares it with you.

Ask for Electronic Filling Services

More individuals and small business owners are filing their tax returns electronically. Since it was introduced in 1990, more than a billion tax returns were processed through electronic filing. Ask preparers if they provide IRS e-file among their services.

Ensure that Tax Preparer Returns Calls

It is important that you can contact the preparer even after tax preparation and the tax return has been filed. There are times when issues arise, and you need to consult with the preparer to answer the concerns regarding the tax return.

Preparer Who Goes Through All Records

It is important that you work with a tax preparer who is ready to dig into your personal records and receipts. These documents are needed to determine the total income taxable and the qualifications for deductions, expenses, and other items. Avoid dealing with a lazy preparer who only requires your last pay stub. You will just get in trouble with the IRS because it is against the e-file rules and regulations.

Say No to Blank Tax Form

Taxpayers must not sign a blank tax form. There are no circumstances where this will benefit you at all. The worst circumstance is that you will be used to commit tax fraud and find yourself locked up while the preparer is nowhere to be found.

These are the steps to take to ensure that you get a reputable tax preparer to do your return. Following the steps above can help make filing the returns easier each year. When working with a preparer, there are some things that you still need to consider.

Tips on Tax Preparation with a Preparer

After the tax preparer is done with your tax return, it is important that you review the entire document before signing it. You should ask questions about the return if you find something you can’t understand in it. Sign the document when you are 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the return.

The tax preparer must also sign the form and indicate one’s preparer tax identification number or PTIN. Although the preparer has signed the document, it is still the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure that the data on the return is accurate. The preparer must also provide a copy of the return to the taxpayer for safekeeping and personal records.

A tax preparer can help make preparation of returns a much simpler task; they know the drill and can deliver an accurate return in the shortest time possible. Determine what’s best for you and be sure to hire a tax preparer that you can trust.